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How long does a cedar fence last in Colorado?

A cedar fence rarely reaches the end of service everywhere at once. Buried wood posts and rail ends may decay while pickets remain reusable, and gates often expose post movement first; steel posts can change that failure pattern. We assess post stability, soil and drainage, rail condition, fastener corrosion, wind exposure, and the percentage of reusable material before recommending repair or replacement.

Do fences need a permit?

Not every ordinary fence needs a building permit, but height, front- or street-side location, corner sight triangles, pools, retaining conditions, easements, and HOA rules can trigger restrictions or separate approvals. Utility locating does not establish the property line. We verify the applicable city or county rules for the address before layout and flag when the owner should provide a survey.

Who determines the property line?

A licensed surveyor, not a fence contractor, utility locator, GIS map, or the position of an old fence, provides authoritative boundary information. Pins can be missing or disturbed, and online parcel maps are not precise enough for construction. If the proposed line is disputed, close to a setback, or unsupported by reliable monuments and documents, the prudent next step is a boundary survey before posts are set.

Are steel posts worth considering with a wood fence?

Often, particularly where buried wood posts have been the recurring failure point. Properly specified steel posts remove wood-to-soil decay at the post and can support replaceable cedar rails and pickets, but coating, corrosion protection, cap and bracket details, footing design, appearance, and cost still matter. Steel does not compensate for shallow footings, poor drainage, excessive panel span, or undersized gate posts.

Should a fence follow the slope or step down in panels?

Racking follows a moderate slope with rails and pickets while stepping keeps panels level and drops them in increments. Racking usually produces a more continuous bottom gap but is limited by the panel or material system; stepping suits rigid panels and steeper grades but can create triangular gaps that matter for pets and privacy. We lay out the grade, top-line appearance, gate transitions, and allowable bottom clearance before choosing.

Which side of a wood fence should face the neighbor?

Local rules or HOA standards may require the finished face outward, and alternating or neighbor-friendly designs can present a finished appearance on both sides. Orientation also affects security because exposed horizontal rails can be climbable from one side. We confirm applicable appearance rules and document the agreed layout rather than assuming the old fence was installed correctly.

Cedar fence construction with plumb posts, aligned rails, and staged pickets along a grade

Fences

Fence contractor for installation and replacement in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Northern Colorado

Fulcrest builds and replaces residential fences in Windsor, Timnath, Greeley, Berthoud, Severance, and surrounding Northern Colorado communities, including cedar privacy fencing, steel fencing, and composite fencing.

Completed cedar residential fence following a gentle grade with consistent posts and cap detail — Built for Northern Colorado
How Much Privacy Do You Actually Want?
More privacy isn't always better. A solid fence can make sense along a busy street or where neighboring yards sit close together, while another part of the property may feel better with some openness. Gates, views, landscaping, and the way you move through the yard matter too. We look at where privacy is actually needed instead of assuming every side of the yard should get the same fence.

More privacy isn't always better. A solid fence can make sense along a busy street or where neighboring yards sit close together, while another part of the property may feel better with some openness. Gates, views, landscaping, and the way you move through the yard matter too. We look at where privacy is actually needed instead of assuming every side of the yard should get the same fence.

What Actually Holds a Fence Up?

A fence can look great on installation day and still have problems later if the posts aren't right for the fence and the site. Height, wind exposure, soil, drainage, post material, and spacing all change what those posts have to handle. That's why we don't start with one standard hole depth and use it everywhere. The support underneath should match the fence we're actually building and the ground we're putting it in.

What Do You Want Your Fence to Be Made From?

Cedar gives you the natural look of wood and can be stained to fit the property, but it also means accepting some weathering and ongoing care. Steel avoids the decay concerns that come with buried wood posts and works well when you want a more open fence. Composite can reduce refinishing, but installation and expansion requirements depend on the product. We compare the appearance, upkeep, exposure, and complete fence system rather than treating one material as the best choice for every yard.

Plan before you build

Choose a fence system for exposure, privacy, and upkeep

Planning details +

Panel style is only one decision. Post material, spacing, footing conditions, wind permeability, grade changes, gates, and future maintenance determine how the fence behaves.

Match opacity to wind exposure

Solid fences provide privacy but catch more wind. Open designs reduce pressure and may preserve views or neighbor relationships.

Treat posts as the foundation

Post material, embedment, concrete, drainage, spacing, and soil conditions are central to long-term alignment.

Resolve lines and grade first

Survey information, easements, utilities, slopes, and transitions influence the final layout and panel stepping.

Explore Fences & Gates

Explore the next part of your project

Premium double driveway gate with steel frames, cedar infill, substantial posts, hinges, and center latch

Build a Fence That Helps Your Yard Flow Better

A good fence changes how you use the yard. It can give you privacy where you actually want it, keep the dog from disappearing around the side of the house, or separate one part of the backyard without making the whole place feel boxed in. We start with what you need the fence to do, then work out the height, layout, material, and style that make sense for your property.

Questions homeowners ask